The Same, Old Proprietary Saw
When Microsoft announced plans to offer developers free licenses to use
the Office UI for their apps, I was skeptical. First, I thought back to reporting
I did a decade or so ago at InfoWorld, where Microsoft announced pretty much
the same thing.
Then, I wondered how competitors would feel. Turns out it doesn't matter how
they feel since -- at least, according to one ISV -- competitors aren't invited.
Gen-9 was all set to support
the UI for its data management tool. But after learning that rivals can't use
the interface, the company ditched its plans because it "might" overlap
with some Microsoft tools.
And a partner today is a rival tomorrow. So what happens when Microsoft decides
to get into your market? Do you have to give the interface back?
Posted by Doug Barney on December 13, 2006